In the dim, cavernous hall, Brother I’Timis moved among the newest converts, their hushed chants weaving through the shadows like a living thread. The murmurs rose and fell in a rhythm almost musical, yet unsettling in its precision. Only a few fire lamps dotted the edges of the chamber, their flickering flames casting long, restless shadows that danced across the polished stone floor. The cold of Ivalis II seeped in through the walls and ceiling, biting at the ridges of his temples beneath his hood. Each step made a faint echo, swallowed almost immediately by the chants, as if the hall itself breathed in tandem with the congregation.

“Brother I’Timis, your presence honours us,” said Sister I’Yenis, turning to him. Her face remained hidden beneath the veil of her hood, and the dim firelight flickered across the smooth fabric, giving her an almost otherworldly presence.

“I was inspired by your message to witness the fruits of your endeavour with our newest additions,” I’Timis replied. He inclined his head toward the other man. “Brother I’Jaqis, it is good to see you among us.”

“The Deep Light protects us,” I’Jaqis intoned, voice steady, conviction etched into every syllable.

“That it does,” I’Timis said softly, almost reverently. “Our mission to spread the Doctrine of Unseeing must continue.”

“For that we are united,” I’Yenis whispered, leaning slightly forward, eyes glinting in the flickering light. “Those who do not believe and cannot see the Deep Light will be given their new sight. Those who resist will be sent beyond the light. And now, my brothers, the new followers prepared to reject their senses must step forward.”

“Let us not keep them waiting,” I’Timis murmured, a shiver of anticipation running down his spine, betraying the calm mask he wore.

The three of them turned to face the worshippers. I’Yenis’s voice rose, carrying a ritual cadence that filled the chamber: “Doctrine tells us that to behold the Deep Light, we must push beyond what we think is real and embrace what truly is. Those ready to see beyond that, come forward to receive your blessing. Your sight is no longer needed. The Deep Light will show you the way.”

The followers rose in unison, moving forward in a silent, deliberate line. Each step was measured, ritualised, as if the hall itself guided them. One by one, they offered themselves to the clergy. The final act of devotion was terrifying and straightforward: the removal of the one barrier between them and the Deep Light.

Their eyes.

A collective hush fell over the hall, the firelight trembling against the silent anticipation.

Then, with a sudden crash, the doors were smashed open. Armed enforcement officers flooded the chamber, their boots pounding against stone, their voices sharp and commanding, shattering the rhythm of the ritual.

“Hands up! Nobody move!” a deep voice bellowed.

The clergy froze, eyes widening beneath their veils, as officers quickly encircled them. I’Yenis stepped forward, her tone laced with disdain. “Sheriff I’Hernis, what do we owe the pleasure?”

“We know what you’re doing here, Sister,” I’Hernis said, weapon raised, uniform and protective gear marking him as local law. “Though, shouldn’t I be saying Doctor instead? What type of person with a medical background would bring harm to others?”

I’Yenis’s lips curved into a short, bitter chuckle. “I gave up that life when I was reborn by the Deep Light, Sheriff. You must stop interfering and let us show you the truth. The Doctrine will reveal all.”

“Yeah, yeah,” I’Hernis waved, as his deputies began securing cuffs. “I’ve heard it all before. I won’t let you turn these people into blinded fools.”

“You can’t stop us all!” I’Yenis cried, struggling, her voice echoing unnaturally through the hall as she was dragged away.

Once she vanished from sight, I’Hernis turned to Brother I’Timis. “Well done, I’Timis. Your undercover work just saved a few more souls from this madness.”

I’Timis allowed a faint, grim smile as he pulled back his hood, revealing eyes untouched by the ritual. “We may have saved a handful here, sir, but there are so many more living in shadows, unaware of what they’re being dragged into. We must stop this plague before it spreads across the Union.”

“That, my friend, is something we both agree on,” I’Hernis nodded, clapping him on the back.

“Now, how about we finish here and I finally get you that drink I promised?”

“Now that sounds like a plan,” I’Timis said with a long, quiet sigh, guiding the last of the congregation safely out of the hall with I’Hernis.